STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1626

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 810, 811, 812

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 810, 811, and 812, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Board of Agriculture

 

G.M. No. 810

VINCENT MINA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 811

RANDOLPH CABRAL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021; and

 

G.M. No. 812

GLENN HONG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Vincent Mina, Randolph Cabral, and Glenn Hong to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Agriculture.

 

VINCENT MINA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Vincent Mina from the Department of Agriculture; National Farmers Union; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawaii Island School Garden Network, The Kohala Center; Ulupono Initiative; Kipahulu Ohana, Inc.; Down to Earth Organic & Natural; TOTUS; Smart Tax Solutions LLC; and five individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Mina's experience and background in commercial farming also qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Agriculture.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Mina is the co-owner and co-founder of Kahanu ‘Āina Greens LLC, a small local farm that produces five hundred pounds of baby greens a week, serves as the President of Hawaii Farmers Union United, and chairs the National Farmers Union Committee on Renewable Agriculture and Local Foods.  He is experienced in soil remediation techniques and uses a whole-system approach to agriculture.  Based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service, your Committee finds that Mr. Mina will be an asset to the Board of Agriculture.

 

RANDOLPH CABRAL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Randolph Cabral from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaii Coffee Association; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Maui County Farm Bureau; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Ponoholo Ranch, Limited; and fifty individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Cabral's professional experience and background in orchard and vegetable crop, sugar, and livestock production also qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Agriculture.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Cabral recently retired from the role of Senior Vice-President of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, currently operates a small ranch on the Big Island, and serves as the President of the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau.  He also serves as a member of the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i, Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association, Hawaii Cattlemen's Association, and is a founding member of Kino‘ole Farmers Market.  Based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service, your Committee finds that Mr. Cabral will be an asset to the Board of Agriculture.

 

GLENN HONG

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Glenn Hong from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaii Coffee Association; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Maui County Farm Bureau; The Maritime Group, LLC; Ponoholo Ranch, Limited; and fourteen individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hong's professional experience and background in inter-island shipping and transportation also qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Board of Agriculture.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Hong is the President of Hawaiian Tug & Barge and Young Brothers, Limited, an inter-island cargo common carrier.  He serves as Chair of the Hawaii Harbors Users Group, Board Member of the American Red Cross-Hawaii State Chapter, member of the Hawaii Business Roundtable and The 200 Club of Honolulu, and member-at-large on the Board of Agriculture.  Based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service, your Committee finds that Mr. Hong will continue to be an asset to the Board of Agriculture.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

 

 

 

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair